This FHR Board Member is Always Climbing

I work hard and play hard.

A Hickory High alum, I earned a full scholarship to ODU (BS in Business Administration), then graduate degrees in Real Estate Development at Auburn and Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney. Yes, that’s in Australia. I wasn’t done traveling though.

I caught the climbing bug on a high wall in a sporting goods store here in Hampton Roads, returning every day for a month. That led to me scaling boulders and other challenging rock formations around the world, the 1,500 foot high El Potrero in Mexico one that other enthusiasts might recognize. I am also a certified Search and Rescue Diver and a Wilderness First Responder through NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Why do I go to such heights? It tests my limits and has frankly helped me succeed in business.

I have set sales records working for Hilton Grand Vacations, enticing groups into major resorts in Arizona, Las Vegas, Cabo San Lucas and here in Virginia. Thanks to climbing, I feel I can break through any mental plateau and operate at a peak level. I am also a day trader, another challenging but rewarding pursuit. I have very strong discipline, some of which I owe to my grandmother who instilled a heavy dose of confidence in her little Brandi. Frankly, to take care of her is why I returned full time to Hampton Roads, and I’m happy I did.

Because I enjoy learning about market trends, enhancing my financial knowledge and observing communities that I visit, I have great hopes for my own. It’s why I accepted an invitation a couple years back to become involved in The Future of Hampton Roads, which is focused on strengthening the region by connecting professionals who likewise care about its growth. I am meeting a whole new group of people, learning how the community ticks and suggesting ways to help shape a vibrant, sustainable future for my home area.

At 41, I have no clear idea what the next decade holds, but I love having this region as my home base, vacation sales and stock dealing as my professional passions and sharing my worldly insights to make the 757 better.

Now on to the next peak.